End of year always seems to fly in fast motion. Birthdays, a festival, field trips, preschool graduation, last day of school for me on Friday, then I start teaching summer camps on Monday. So many gardens to tend to, so many things going on. Posting just takes a back seat.

Scroll over each photo if you'd like to learn a little more about the photos.

I'm working on a lot of projects. Hopefully I'll get to share them here soon.

It's Pi Day. My nine-year-old begged for a pie to bring to his math teacher today. I conceded. Then Julen wanted to bring one to his Kindergarten teacher. Not quite the same as they have nothing to do with Pi in his class, but wanting to be like big brother I allowed it. One blueberry, one apple. Apparently, I am raising a couple of Geeks. :)

Valentine making with my boys...I love that they wanted to write each of their classmates a compliment...so sweet. (my favorite "Dear Izzy, You are super intelligent! 10 to the power of 10 to the power of 10 to the power of 10!")

Well...not reading exactly, but I am trying to find my way back to books. Once upon a time I used to be a very avid reader...but, well, you know. There was no space for reading for pleasure while I was immersed in early childhood education books, opening my preschool, raising children. I've missed it. And now I think I've found an answer to having the time. I'm kind of a technology dinosaur but knew if I could use audio books on my daily walks around the lake, I would be able to squeeze in exercise AND reading. Happily I discovered my public library allows me to download an audiobook to my smartphone. They don't call them smart for nothing. Now, twice the motivation to get out walking.

Isabel Allende has long been a favorite of mine and she doesn't disappoint with Maya's Notebook. I could listen to Maria Cabezas sweet voice in my ears forever.

On another note...my nine-year-old came home from school with The Hunger Games in his backpack. The Hunger Games? All I had heard was that it is meant for older children...the content too mature for nine. With all the controversy surrounding the book, I'm surprised he was allowed to check it out of his school library at all.

I took advantage of another unexpected day home from school today (due to freezing temperatures) to read it. It is a good read. I cried a little, which worried my son "Is it that bad, Mom?". It's just so so sad, I told him. And it is. I think he better wait a few years. Any thoughts?

Jack Frost is here to stay! Like a good portion of the US we have been hunkered down all day waiting for this cold snap to pass. Schools will be closed again tomorrow but it looks like we're in for a warm up after that (if you call -5 a warm up). It was so cold last night that this morning when I went to make Julen's bed, I discovered a pillow and his koala bear were both stuck to the wall...with ice!! It's a bit drafty by his bed which is next to a window so I've been lining the side with a bunch of pillows for a more comfortable rest. I guess it was just.that.cold last night and with the combination of the moisture in the air (because I run a humidifier in the boys room all winter) and the cold, a nice layer of ice formed on the wall. I'll save you all the photo of half of poor Koalies fur embedded in the wall...ugh!

The Christmas tree came down today and while I was packing up the ornaments I was reminded by the sweet gifts I received from families of my preschool. How adorable is this handmade birch-bark trunk tree ornament? The delicious teas wrapped so beautifully with an anise star seed. So many handmade cards and baked treats (long gone now). And the adorable terrarium, with it's tiny pink mushroom. The kindness of these sweet gifts from the heart always overwhelm me. So much thoughtfulness. And always appreciated are the gift cards to local coffee shops...the parents must know I really love coffee!

As it is our tradition, the boys gave their teachers beeswax candles that we made. They looked so pretty tied up with a bit of wool, some raffia and a bead. They also gifted their snowflakes and I made them each a cowl.

For all of you in a deep freeze...stay warm!!! Wishes to all for a great week!! xx

Started the week with parent conferences. It can be so emotional sometimes. Telling stories to the parents about their children. I'm very sensitive to the fact that we are (in most cases) their child's first step away from home. And there is that hole for them. Their children are living a life of their own in the hours they spend at my school. I want to share all the happiness, love, joy and wonder that is their child's when they are with me. It never feels like enough.

Family haircuts. Loved it! Bring your hair stylist into your home and she cuts everyones hair in one night. It was such a party! The pictures don't tell the whole story...the boys had a blast. Wish I could show off my new 'do, but my hair has been pushed into a hat these days.

The bedroom got a new look too.

Before...(but after the ceiling and trim)...

during...with a little help from Julen..

And...finally...

We put no thought into the color...How about this one? Ok. So we went with it. I love it. Now we just need to move the furniture back.

We had friends visit from the farm...bringing tons of bulbs. John spent a couple hours with the boys planting them all. The house will be blooming in no time.

Found some good reading at the library...so many beautiful new projects to try.

My boys and I just returned from the cabin. A nice long weekend with no school since Tuesday. We were surprised to wake up this morning with snow on the ground! Seems so early, but then it always does. With a freeze coming to The Cities tonight I had to take in what was left in the garden...so one last rose, several bowls of tomatoes and all of the basil I could cut. We just made about three quarts of pesto to freeze for the winter.

All the other photos are from my last trip to the farmers market. Don't you just love all that color!! I want to savor every bit as the winters whites and greys are soon to come.